Meet the team: Jenelle Maher

For Bowen’s newest regional coordinator Jenelle Maher, community has always been at the heart of what she does.

Originally from Foxton, a small town in Aotearoa/New Zealand, Jenelle has spent most of her life in Bowen—a place she now proudly calls home.

“I never really set out to work in the disability sector,” she said.

“But I’ve always been heavily involved in my kids’ sports, and one day I found myself advocating for a young boy with a disability who wanted to join a soccer team.

That experience sparked her journey into the sector, leading her to her first role as a club coordinator where operations were similar to selectability’s Clubhouse - a group program that encourages socialisation, and puts members in charge of their own wellbeing.

“That moment changed everything for me, it has been challenging but extremely rewarding.

After joining selectability in May 2024 as a service delivery team leader, Jenelle quickly embraced the organisation’s values, providing high quality support to those in the Whitsunday region.

“Every day is different! I love when staff come in feeling proud of their day at work and how they’ve helped someone else,” she said.

Through her role, she has learned the importance of communication and staying open to feedback.

“Overcommunicate, take everything on board, and don’t get stuck on one job,” she said.

For those considering a role in the sector, Jenelle’s advice is simple:

“Even if you don’t have the skills, if you have a great attitude, a willingness to learn, and can commit to our values, you will have an amazing team and leaders to support you on this journey,” she said.

When she’s not working, Jenelle loves spending time outdoors with her kids—whether it’s fishing, exploring islands, or camping. She also enjoys a challenge, having completed triathlons despite not being a fan of running or swimming.

And when she needs a boost to keep going, Jenelle remembers the words of her personal hype song: Ain’t Nothing Gonna Break My Stride.

“No matter the challenge, I remind myself that nothing’s going to break my stride,” she said. “It’s that determination that keeps me going.”

To get in contact with the Bowen team or to find out more about our services in the region, you can find out more here.